Viking Spotlight

Jennifer Holloway, Magen DePalmo, and Kathy Yaros from the district CARE team joined the podcast this week. The implementation of CARE Teams is comprised of teachers, administrators, and staff from multiple community agencies, including law enforcement, mental health, alcohol and drugs, and other social service agencies located throughout the county. The team works together in a school-based environment to address challenges facing the at-risk student population and their families.

Viking Spotlight invites Hoover's current National Merit Finalists to the podcast. Henry Hu, Allesandra Saeger, and Evan Zepp discuss their experiences in and out of the North Canton City Schools classroom. Congratulations to these fine young students!

We have so much to be thankful for as we begin this new school year. In this episode of Viking Spotlight, NCCS Superintendent Jeff Wendorf reflects on past, present, and future projects happening in our district and community. What are our building principals looking forward to for this year? Where did all of the dirt come from on 7th Street? What is Facilities Project: Phase II? Tune in for the answers to these questions and so much more.

This school year is the last for Orchard Hill Principal Darlene Howald and North Canton Middle School Associate Principal Renee Manse. In this episode of Viking Spotlight, they share their decisions to become educators and later administrators, as well as the highlights of their careers and some funny moments. We appreciate the contributions both administrators have made to the district, and we celebrate their retirement with them.

Spring is traditionally a busy time for the North Canton City School District, but this year is more exciting and far busier than most. Director of Development and Special Projects, Tim Walker, stops by the podcast booth to update us on the Seventh Street Renovation, North Canton Primary School, and North Canton Intermediate School. Will Memorial Stadium be ready for graduation? When will Clearmount and the ECC/Portage schools be demolished? What's the latest news on Greentown? Learn the answers to these questions and more on the latest episode of Viking Spotlight.

NCCS Superintendent Jeff Wendorf often says, "Our bus drivers are the first school employees to see our students in the morning and the last to see them before they return home." This state emphasizes the impact these individuals have on our students. Every member of the Transportation Department is crucial in making certain our students safely arrive at school and back home. Our Transportation Department members include not only the bus drivers, but also the bus monitors, mechanics, secretaries, and the director. Today's episode features John McClellan, an eight-year bus driver and an on-bus instructor (OBI). Mr. McClellan is a special man who goes out of his way to get to know the students who ride his bus and to support his fellow drivers and the driver trainees. He shares interesting information about the role of the bus driver, and he is an excellent role model for our district. This is Bus Driver Appreciation Week, and we appreciate Mr. McClellan and all of our transportation employees.

Everyone has a different impression of what teachers do in their jobs. In this episode of Viking Spotlight, NCCS Superintendent Jeff Wendorf talks to three different teachers with different backgrounds in different subjects. One thing they do have in common is that they are in their first year of teaching. Christian Combs is a science teacher at Hoover High School. Natalie Mizer is an intervention specialist at Clearmount Elementary School. Ashton McKelley is a career tech teacher of construction tech at Hoover High School. In this episode, all three will talk about what they've learned about teaching and what they expect to do differently next year. Take some time to listen to Viking Spotlight this week.

Two NCCS teachers with two decades of classroom teaching will become assistant principals next year. Anna Stangelo, who currently teaches second grade at Northwood Elementary, will become assistant principal to Principal Ryan Kumpf at the North Canton Intermediate School. Tim Hulse, a math teacher at the middle school, will become an associate principal with Janet Peare. Mr. David Eby is the principal at North Canton Middle School. Both Mrs. Stangelo and Mr. Hulse talk about their educational experience, their decisions to move into administration, and their goals as them make this transition. Both are successful educators with impressive credentials. Take a moment to meet them on this episode of Viking Spotlight.

Administrative Assistants Day is Wednesday, April 26, this year, but in school districts, we feel we should celebrate them every day for the dedication, organization and resourcefulness they bring to their jobs. It's safe to say, our administrative assistants are integral to the success of the district. This year we are spotlighting Jennifer Plentovich of Orchard Hill Intermediate School and Donna Yackey, who is the administrative assistant to Superintendent Jeff Wendorf. This episode is an opportunity to learn more about the inner workings of North Canton City Schools.

Hoover graduate Josh Runner became the principal of Clearmount Elementary in 2020, during the height of the pandemic. Now he is leading the move from Clearmount Elementary to the new North Canton Primary School. Mr. Runner has faced the challenges successfully, and he attributes this success to family, staff, and supportive parents. He and Superintendent Jeff Wendorf agree that the North Canton City School District is a special place.

Morgan Brown joins Superintendent Jeff Wendorf on Viking Spotlight to talk about teaching theater arts at North Canton Middle School and her experiences directing two musicals at NCCS this year. Hoover High School students recently performed Titanic the Musical and next up students from North Canton Middle School will perform Matilda, Jr. North Canton City Schools has a proud tradition in the arts, and Morgan Brown brings her passion for acting, singing, stagecraft, and directing to foster the love of theater in middle school and high school students.

On this week's Viking Spotlight, NCCS Superintendent Jeff Wendorf talks with Hoover High School Counselor Amy Myers about the responsibilities and work done by high school counselors in today's high school. The guidance department has changed immensely in the last 20 years, and we believe you will learn a great deal about school counseling today. Topics include course scheduling, state testing, graduation requirements, mental health needs, and more.  To learn more about Hoover High School's Guidance Department, go to: Twitter: @TheGuidingVike Instagram: @TheGuidingVike Facebook Page: GuidingVike YouTube Channel: "Hoover HS Guidance Office" Website: https://www.northcantonschools.org/hooverhighschool_home.aspx Hoover HS Guidance Schoology Group Access Code: C4CXN-MH7W3

North Canton City Schools Superintendent Jeff Wendorf talks to Santana Lopez, the new Marketing and Membership Manager for the North Canton Area Chamber of Commerce, and Zac Bissell, the new Events Manager for the North Canton Area Chamber of Commerce. Santana and Zac share their backgrounds and plans for the organization. The Chamber, which has over 400 active members, holds a number of events in North Canton for residents. To learn more about the Chamber, Santana and Zac, and upcoming events, take a moment to listen to our podcast. 

This week's Viking Spotlight is on Charlie Grandjean, a 1976 graduate of Hoover High School. While at Hoover, Charlie excelled in athletics and continued his football career at the Naval Academy, at Kent State University and in the USFL. His loyalty to his hometown has continued over the years, and we appreciate his dedication to academics, the arts, and athletics in North Canton City Schools through the Sideliners. His wife, Tam, has a special place in our hearts as an art teacher at Hoover High School and a finalist for Stark County Art Educator of the Year. Take a few minutes to meet Charlie Grandjean.

About eleven years ago, Chas Pyle joined the maintenance crew at North Canton City Schools. He later became the head custodian at North Canton Middle School, and today he is head of maintenance for the school district. Chas is a vital part of the Viking team, and he is appreciated by those who work with him. He, like the rest of the maintenance and custodial crew, make NCCS a safe place for students and staff as they maintain the buildings and grounds that are integral to education in our district. Be certain you listen to the complete podcast, but the end of the interview offers a positive story about this special man.

In this episode of Viking Spotlight, Mr. Ryan Kumpf is the principal at Greentown Intermediate, which has about 500 students in grades 3-5 and is located on State Street in the northern part of our school district. Mr. Kumpf shares his thoughts on educating elementary school students and his commitment to academics and community service. He also discusses how Jon Gordon's The Energy Bus and Jim Tressel's Five Pillars of Success play a part in his role as an elementary principal. Mr. Kumpf will serve as building principal for the new North Canton Intermediate School.

If you're from Stark County, you have likely seen video that has been completed by the hard-working students and staff of Hoover High School's Video Productions/Broadcast Journalism Career Tech Program. This episode of Viking Spotlight gives you a behind the scenes look at the curriculum and opportunities offered by this award-winning program. Coordinator Tom Wilson knows the class inside and out since he was hired to build the program in the late 1990s. Video Productions and Broadcast Journalism offer valuable skills to our students, no matter what career path they follow.

In observance of Board of Education Appreciation Month, NCCS Superintendent Jeff Wendorf talks to Board President, Dr. Bob Roden, about his career, his motivation for joining the board of education, and his insights about helping students succeed. Dr. Bob Roden, who once served as a teacher and administrator in the North Canton City School District, shares some wisdom for educators, parents, and community members. He is a legendary servant to our community, and we believe you will enjoy hearing his thoughts on education and his focus on students.

This week's episode of Viking Spotlight is an overview of the activities and programs offered at North Canton Middle School. As Superintendent Jeff Wendorf points out in the podcast, students experience more success in the classroom if they participate in activities beyond the school day. With Mr. Eby's leadership and an outstanding, caring middle school staff, programs have been expanded to reach every student. As you are likely aware, middle school years are challenging for children as they grow physically and emotionally. Through this podcast, you will discover that North Canton Middle School is a great place for students to learn and grow.

In this episode of Viking Spotlight, North Canton City Schools Superintendent Jeff Wendorf and Director of Development Tim Walker provide an update on the two new school buildings being constructed and explain how the construction has resulted in modifications to the school calendar for this year and next year. They also share information about Phase 2 of the facilities project that will be discussed at a community meeting being held January 23 at 6:00 p.m. in Hoover Hall for the Performing Arts at Hoover High School. Phase 2 would build a new middle school and renovate the existing high school.

Meet the coaches of the boys and girls Hoover basketball teams, Mike Bluey and Jim Gotshall. Coach Bluey, who is in his fifth year at Hoover, shares his philosophy of coaching and his thoughts on the Federal League. Coach Gotshall talks about returning to Hoover High School and his feelings about basketball, the school, and the community. Don't miss this episode of Viking Spotlight!

In this week's Viking Spotlight, Mr. Todd Alkire talks to Superintendent Jeff Wendorf about the curriculum and opportunities in the engineering classes through the Hoover High School Career Tech Program. Following the "Project Lead the Way" curriculum, students learn about engineering design and principles, digital electronics, computer integrated manufacturing, and engineering design and development. In addition to their classwork, students have opportunities that include Team 4121 Viking Robotics, Women in Engineering, and the high school's Fab Lab. Hoover has repeatedly received recognition from "Project Lead the Way" for its outstanding results. To learn more about the engineering program, go to https://www.northcantonschools.org/engineering.aspx. To learn more about the robotics team, check out its Google website at https://sites.google.com/view/team4121. The team also has a presence on Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter, so search for Team 4121 Viking Robotics. Student who pursue the study of engineering at Hoover High School have excellent preparation for advanced studies as well as the workplace.

Megan Zahorec-Deierling is the school counselor for Greentown Intermediate's 500 students. In this episode of Viking Spotlight, she talks about the problems facing students today and explains how she builds relationships with her students. One of her tools is therapy dog, Chase, who is a German Shepherd that has become an important member of the Greentown staff. Mrs. Zahorec, a mother of two children, also suggests ways that parents can help their children deal with concerns facing them.  

In this episode of Viking Spotlight, Kim Nidy shares the importance of technology in the North Canton City School District. NCCS has a one-on-one tech program as every student in grades 3-12 and every teacher is provided with a laptop that plays an important part in teaching and learning in the classroom. She discusses gradebooks, security, and the learning management system with Superintendent Jeff Wendorf; and they explain how technology has changed the way students learn today.  

This week's episode of Viking Spotlight offers a look at two Hoover High School programs. One is Culinary Arts of the school's Career Tech Education offerings, and the second is the extra-curricular activity, Esports. Mr. Phil Ogilvie talks to NCCS Superintendent Jeff Wendorf about the various aspects of his classroom, which includes a restaurant called the Tri-Star and a food truck known as the Traveling Tri-Star in addition to the professional kitchen. He also offers a unique perspective on Esports, a recent activity at Hoover that brings students together from various areas of the high school to compete as a team. We guarantee that after you listen to this podcast, you will be amazed at the opportunities in Culinary Arts at Hoover and you will see students playing video games in an entirely different light!

Interactive Media is a popular Career Tech (CTE) class at Hoover High School because of the many skills students learn in the course that provide numerous opportunities for their future. Mr. Gary Bodenschatz, the instructor, brings a wealth of experience to the classroom and offers sage advice to his students. He uses his talent and wit to guide students into making good choices in both design and career choices. His love of teaching interactive media is apparent in the podcast, and he has provided a solid foundation for students who choose careers in graphic design or in media-related careers.  Follow our Twitter accounts: Athletics through Interactive Media:  @hoovervikes Superintendent Jeff Wendorf:   @VikingSupt    North Canton City Schools:   @nccsvikings Hoover High School Guidance:   @TheGuidingVike North Canton City Schools Food Services:  @NCCSLunchLadies We are on Facebook as North Canton City Schools, and each school building and various departments are on Facebook as well. We are on Instagram as @nccsvikings.

Hoover's Ryan Shaffer has been a highly successful tennis coach for over three decades, and in this week's Viking Spotlight, he shares his background, his principles of coaching, and his thoughts about the impact that sports have on young people. He is a Stark County legend in the tennis world, and this podcast shows he is not only a great coach, but also a man of integrity. 

Hoover Associate Principal Rob White talks to NCCS Superintendent Jeff Wendorf about the Career Tech Pact, which includes GlenOak, Hoover, Jackson, and Lake High Schools. He explains how Career Tech Education (CTE) offers high school students, as well as eighth graders from North Canton Middle School, can explore paths to a successful career. Hoover offers nine outstanding CTE programs, and the four National JA Companies of the Year, Project Lead the Way recognition, Robotics team opportunities, and Video Productions/Broadcast Journalism's outstanding reputation in Ohio are just a few examples of their quality. Mr. White explains that CTE is no longer simply vocational education, as classes provide firsthand work that engages students and provides them with a chance to see which careers best suit their interests. High school registration for next year's classes is a few months away, and this podcast gives parents and students alike a chance to begin an exploration of the Career Tech programs available to our students.

Superintendent Jeff Wendorf and Hoover High School Marching Band Director Ron Varn discuss the successes of the marching band season, the lessons learned from participating in band, and the upcoming state competition at Hilliard Bradley High School, as well as the "Thank You" concert Tuesday, October 25, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the main gym of the high school.

In this week’s Viking Spotlight, Superintendent Jeff Wendorf and Athletic Director Tom Oakes discuss the fall sports season, as well as the shortage of officials, updates to athletic facilities, and upcoming schedule changes.

In this episode of Viking Spotlight, Mrs. Sandy Stambaugh talks about a new class on wellness that has been implemented at North Canton Middle School for all seventh-grade students. The Ohio Department of Education has established Social Emotional Learning Standards for students, and the new class addresses those standards. Mrs. Stambaugh covers the thoughts behind its creation, curriculum, and goals. Mrs. Stambaugh, Mrs. Mia Thomas and Mrs. Lisa Kieffer are leading the classroom efforts as NCMS focuses on students' mental health. If you are a parent, a guardian, a family member, or even a resident of the North Canton City School District, you will appreciate learning about the work of our educators who care about our students' well-being.

This week the Viking Spotlight is on the Special Services Department of North Canton City Schools. The Director of Special Services, John Welch, is joined by the Coordinator of Special Services and Response to Intervention Team leader, Julie Stingel, to share the mission of the department as they help 600 students experience growth and achievement. Mr. Welch and Mrs. Stingel provide information without the educational jargon that is confusing to the layman. This week's topic on Special Services displays the North Canton City School District's commitment to all children.

This week’s guest on Viking Spotlight is Aidan Kirkbride, a Hoover High School junior who is working towards his Eagle Scout Rank in Scouts BSA, Troop 1012, out of North Canton, Ohio. His Eagle Scout Project is creating a commemorative patio dedicated to the military at the MAP’S Air Museum. The project has three phases. Phase 1 is a seat wall set upon a retaining wall, Phase 2 is a paver patio with a fire pit, and Phase 3 is the landscaping. Aidan is taking charge of Phase 1. He explains his purpose: “Not only am I doing this for my Eagle Rank and to honor veterans, but I am also doing this for my grandfathers who both served in Vietnam. Both men served in aviation capacities. My late grandpa, Robert Milligan, was an observer in an OV-1 Mohawk. Grandpa David Kirkbride served as a Munitions Specialist for F4 Phantoms. I feel constructing this project allows me to honor them, our veterans, and the United States of America.” Aidan’s goal is to raise $10,000, which will cover the cost of materials and equipment used in the excavation, construction, and maintenance of the wall and patio. The labor to complete this project will be supplied by Aidan and other volunteers. Interested in making a donation? Checks should be made out in the name of: Maps Air Museum 2260 International Pkwy, North Canton, OH 44720 330-896-6332 Memo or Attention: “BSA Project Aidan” Donations by credit card can be made by calling MAPS Air Museum at 330-896-6332.

In this episode of Viking Spotlight, NCCS Superintendent Jeff Wendorf talks with John Kirkpatrick, a co-partner in Hammond Construction, and Jeff Adams, a Vice-President of Hammond. Hammond is currently building a new primary school (pre-k to grade 2) on Charlotte Street in North Canton and a new elementary school (grades 3-5) on Maple Street, close to the current Clearmount Elementary School. Mr. Kirkpatrick and Mr. Adams share the history of Hammond Construction, their experience working for the company, and the progress on the two new schools, which are set to open in August 2023. 

North Canton City Schools Superintendent Jeff Wendorf talks to Kosta Volas, the President of the Hoover Class of 2023. Kosta is a talented speaker who recently welcomed back the 600 employees of the school district. He is active in speech and debate, theater, vocal music, Student Council, the award-winning Viking Views, National Honor Society, and Link Crew. Kosta has also taken numerous advanced placement and honors courses. Active in the community and in his church, Kosta is an impressive young man. We invite you to learn more about him and his commitment to Hoover High School in this week's Viking Spotlight podcast.

North Canton residents that attended the football game at Memorial Stadium on Friday, August 19, saw Legacy Landing for the first time. In this podcast, Superintendent Jeff Wendorf talks to Tim Walker about the origins of Memorial Stadium, the creation of Legacy Landing, and other projects related to the renovation of the stadium. Interested in becoming a member of Legacy Landing? Go to https://hoovervikings.com/partner/28/event/494/buy-tickets to purchase a paver. Interested in other options? Please contact Tim Walker at [email protected].

North Canton City School District is excited to welcome students and families to the 2022-2023 school year! To begin the school year on the Viking Spotlight podcast, Superintendent Jeff Wendorf interviews Food Service Director Jill Lauter about changes from the last school year when all student meals were free, thanks to legislation involving the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The free meal program has ended, and Jill Lauter explains what families can do to apply for free or reduced lunches. The NCCS Transportation Department has a new director this year. She is Sharon Papineau, who has served both in the National Guard and Ohio State Highway Patrol. Please join us to learn more in preparation for the new school year!

On Wednesday, June 22, the teen entrepreneurs of Brain Wave, a JA Student Company from North Canton, Ohio, representing Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio, were selected from among 15 JA student companies as the JA Company of the Year while participating in Junior Achievement's (JA) 2022 National Student Leadership Summit (NSLS). The competition took place in Washington, D.C. In this podcast, Superintendent Jeff Wendorf interviews Brain Wave CEO Jesse Halmasy, Hoover JA Advisor Mike Grady, and Lori McCleese of Junior Achievement for North Central Ohio.

In his interview with North Canton City Schools Superintendent Jeff Wendorf, Hoover High School Principal Eric Bornstine discusses the recent commencement and offers a review of the 2021-2022 school year.

The pandemic impacted every department of North Canton City Schools, and the Food Service Department, under the direction of Jill Lauter, met the challenge of feeding North Canton students head on. Jill shares a behind the scenes look at food service and talks about the steps she and the other extraordinary "Lunch Ladies" pulled together to prep and distribute meals to the children and young people of the community. Meeting USDA requirements for healthy eating, the department has won respect across the district for their tenacity in, as they put it, "feeding our future." Summer meals will continue this summer, but with a few important changes. Don't miss this podcast!

In the second part of the State of the Schools podcast, North Canton Superintendent Jeff Wendorf takes a look at academics, the arts, and athletics through interviews with Dave Pilati, Ron Varn, and Tom Oakes.

In part one of this podcast of the annual State of the Schools, NCCS Superintendent Jeff Wendorf is joined by Tim Walker, Todd Tolson, and Todd Henne to talk about facilities, finance, and operations of the school district.

May 2-6, 2022, is National Teacher and Staff Week at North Canton City Schools. Who better to discuss what it means to be a teacher and share her experiences over 37 years than Mia Thomas, the NCCS Educator of the Year for the Stark County Educational Service Center's Education Celebration. Mrs. Thomas is an exceptional teacher who recognizes the importance of reaching every child in her sixth-grade English Language Arts (ELA) classroom. We appreciate Mrs. Thomas as well as every faculty and staff member in North Canton City Schools for putting students first.

North Canton City Schools Superintendent Jeff Wendorf talks with Kathy Snyder and Michelle McAllister in honor of Administrative Professionals Day. Mrs. Snyder works in the Hoover Guidance Department, and Mrs. McAllister works in the main office of North Canton Middle School.

North Canton Deputy Director of Administration Catherine Farina talks to NCCS Superintendent Jeff Wendorf about Dogwood Park, which will be dedicated April 23, 2022.

Emily Shaub and Taylor Sowers, both NCCS science teachers, will run their first Boston Marathon Monday, April 18. Superintendent Jeff Wendorf talks to Emily and Taylor about their backgrounds in running, their training regimen, and their goals for Monday. Interested in following their progress at the marathon? The following link will give you a chance to track them:  https://boston.r.mikatiming.com/2022/?pid=start&pidp=start.

Often the first NCCS employees to greet students in the morning and the last to say good-bye in the afternoon, bus drivers play an important part of the school day. You don't want to miss this episode as 30-year bus veteran Pam Lazarites talks about her job with Superintendent Jeff Wendorf. After you listen to this podcast, you'll understand why Mrs. Lazarites is loved and respected by parents, students, and colleagues. Our bus drivers are extraordinary people who care about our students, and we are fortunate to have them as part of our Viking Family. 

Hoover Interact Club advisors Sarah Jackson and Janice McCarthy join Superintendent Jeff Wendorf to talk about the upcoming Senior Citizens Prom that will be held April 30th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Hoover High School Commons. To download the form to make reservations, go to https://www.northcantonschools.org/protected/ArticleView.aspx?iid=6Y2BGUY&dasi=32UB.

On this week's Viking Spotlight podcast, Superintendent Jeff Wendorf talks to Hoover Vocal Music Director Doug Beery about the storyline, music, students, and background of the high school's performance of Grease. The musical will open Thursday, March 31, at 7:00 p.m. in the Hoover Hall for the Performing Arts. Subsequent performances will be Friday, April 1, at 7:00 p.m. with two shows Saturday at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the school district website at https://www.northcantonschools.org/BoxOffice.aspx. Don't miss this show! It will knock your (bobby) socks off!

Superintendent Jeff Wendorf and Gretchen Leckie-Ewing discuss the history of the Summa Scholars Celebration and the thoughts behind the recognition. The celebration for 2022 was held at the Barrett Center at Walsh University Tuesday, March 15. A special thanks to the Hoover Sideliners for making this event possible. To watch the video of the program, please go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qy7ilkzlk9M&t=1229s&ab_channel=northcantonschools.